Sous Chef - Zaytinya LA

Sous Chef - Zaytinya LA


Company
José Andrés Group - Los Angeles
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
70K–80K a year
Posted
4 days ago
Via
Culinary Agents

Job Description
Job Title: Sous Chef
Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef
Department: Back of House – Culinary
Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt

About José Andrés Group

José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.

Position Summary

The Sous Chef is a hands-on kitchen leader who ensures daily prep, service, and sanitation meet JAG standards. You’ll run the line during assigned services, coach cooks, manage station pars and ticket flow, uphold food safety compliance, and support inventory and COGS discipline—partnering closely with the Chef de Cuisine/Executive Chef to deliver consistent quality, speed, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Standards & Training
• Lead line checks and pre-service tastings; calibrate seasoning, temperatures, texture, and plating to spec.
• Uphold standardized recipes/SOPs; communicate updates and spot-train on techniques in real time.
• Coach cooks on knife skills, fire management, station organization, and expo discipline.

Service Execution & Expo
• Own the pass or a key station during assigned services; protect window times and quality.
• Monitor KDS/printers; communicate pacing, 86s, and low pars to FOH leadership promptly.
• Drive immediate recovery for remakes and service issues, capture learnings in manager logs.

Prep, Pars & Production
• Translate forecast into actionable prep lists; set station pars and adjust throughout the day.
• Verify labeling, dating, FIFO, and hold times; ensure accurate yields on batch production.
• Support menu changes/specials with mise en place, tastings, and training materials.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
• Enforce DOH/HACCP: cooling logs, hot/cold holding, allergen/cross-contact protocols, and personal hygiene.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and equipment care; ensure safe chemical/PPE use.
• Prepare for inspections and correct violations immediately.

Inventory, COGS & Ordering
• Assist with ordering and receiving; verify quality/temperatures and proper storage by zone.
• Maintain inventory accuracy and waste logs; reinforce portioning and recipe adherence to meet COGS targets.
• Flag shortages and propose substitutions that protect quality and margin.

Labor, Scheduling & Deployment
• Provide input on schedules to match volume and skill mix; manage breaks and deployment in shift.
• Cross-train team across stations to maintain coverage and growth opportunities.

Equipment, Facilities & R&M
• Ensure safe operation and daily maintenance of kitchen equipment (grills, fryers, ovens, slicers, immersion blenders).
• Filter fryers, clean hoods/filters per schedule; submit/track work orders and tag out unsafe equipment.

Events, Banquets & Openings (as applicable)
• Execute BEOs, PDR, and off-site activations to standard, on time and to cost.
• Support openings and seasonal transitions: hiring support, training, tastings, prep builds, and stabilization.

Required Qualifications
• 3–5+ years of professional kitchen experience with 1–2+ years as a lead/strong line cook or Sous in upscale/casual-fine or fine dining.
• Advanced station skills (grill, sauté, fry, garde manger) and strong expo experience.
• Knowledge of HACCP/food safety; ServSafe Manager or equivalent (or ability to obtain).
• Proven ability to coach teams, stay organized under pressure, and communicate clearly.
• Familiarity with KDS/POS, inventory, and scheduling tools; Google Workspace comfort.
• Schedule flexibility (nights, weekends, holidays).

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
• Stand and move for extended periods (up to 8+ hours); frequent bending/reaching.
• Lift/carry/push/pull up to 35–50 lbs.
• Continuous exposure to heat, steam, refrigeration, and cleaning chemicals; repetitive knife/equipment use.
• Slip-resistant footwear required.

In Return, We Offer You
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health & wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee dining and partner discounts
• Professional growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity Employer

José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Cleaning Staff Jobs

Q What is the federal minimum wage for cleaning staff jobs in the United States as of 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor sets the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour for cleaning staff positions as of January 1, 2026. Employers must pay 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Twenty-seven states enforce higher minimums including $16.50 per hour in Washington state effective January 1, 2026.
Q How many hours per week and what leave benefits apply to cleaning staff under federal law in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires cleaning staff to receive overtime pay after 40 hours in a workweek as of 2026. Full-time employees qualify for up to 12 weeks of unpaid Family and Medical Leave after 12 months of employment and 1,250 hours worked. No federal paid sick leave mandate exists but 14 states require at least 40 hours of paid sick leave annually starting January 1, 2026.
Q What education and experience are required for cleaning staff jobs in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Labor lists no formal education requirement for cleaning staff positions as of 2026. Most employers accept applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and 0-6 months of prior experience. Background checks are mandatory for 78 percent of janitorial contracts under federal facility standards.
Q What documents are needed to apply for cleaning staff jobs through official U.S. government channels in 2026?
Applicants must submit Form I-9 employment eligibility verification and a valid Social Security card to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as of 2026. A state-issued photo ID and proof of address dated within 30 days are also required for most federal contractor positions. No application fee is permitted under DOL rules.
View all 7 FAQs